Corrupt Cultures Cheating in Science and Society

'Corrupt Cultures' explores selected incidents of cheating in science and the harmful impact that such deceit can have. The text examines three well-documented scientific cases involving the incorrect reporting of data in cell cutlures research, which caused interntational condemnation and professional humiliation of the perpetrators. The book presents a fascinating ovewview of the pervasiveness and benefits of cheating in the natural world, followed by a review of how humans too have always had a strong tendency to cheat. The nature of true originality is also debated using compelling examples from the fields of both art and science. Theis provides the context for an analysis of cheating in science which is illustrated by the three nororious cases of deception in cell culture research. These are scrutinised in detail to determine the predisposing factors and motives that led the perpetrators to cheat, despite the almost certain knwoeldge that they would eventually be exposed, leading to scandal. It is proposed that science demands a special confirmation of its integrity and that scientific claims should be substantiated by repetition in indeependent laboratories. It is asserted tha tif a more rigorous review of these cases had been amade, the data would not have been published in prestigious scientific journals. A case is made for independent reprtition of claims that seem to be ground-breaking, prior to publication. Finally, advice is given to the y oung scientist and suggestions have been made as to how fraud in science could be reduced by introducing a more regulated system of sypervision in research units. It is also proposed that scientific journals need to seriously consider revising their review processes when assessing new research claims of originality, in order to avoid publishing fake data. This little book should be of considerable interest ot young scientists, historians of science and editors of scientific journals. Non-scientists might find it fascinating to learn how corruption affects the natural world and can also permeate into scientific 'truth'. The author invites a healthy scepticism of any scientific breakthrough that appears "too good to be true". --